I went to a state school on the outskirts of Glasgow. Whilst I was not the first in my family to go to university, there was no history of law. I studied materials science and metallurgy, staying on to do a PhD (which confirmed that I did not want to stay in research).

I moved to London to work in construction, first as a forensic researcher, helping expert witnesses draft expert reports, and subsequently as a funders’ agent, keeping an eye on construction projects around the country.

During this time I was encouraged to do a part-time Masters in construction law. This opened my eyes to the law and led to me doing a part-time law conversion and considering the possibility of becoming a barrister. Initially I thought I would work in construction law but I was encouraged to consider intellectual property given my scientific education.

I have spent the last ten years building up a practice, representing famous musicians and brands as well as arguing about hospital washbowls and plug sockets(!) No case is the same and the range of clients (both professional and lay) keeps the job interesting.

During my law conversion I also trained as a mediator. I have since attended a number of mediations, both to represent my client and also as mediator. My previous commercial experience in construction has helped me in this area, differentiating between the finer details of legal arguments and the underlying needs of the parties.

IP Barrister and Mediator / Hogarth Chambers

Last Updated: October 30, 2024